Burial-casket-lowering device.



No. 689,847. v v [Pafnted Dec. 3|, I90l. J. BOMGARDNEB.

BUBIAL CASKET LDWEBING nevlmfz (Application filed Feb. 6. 1901.)

3 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

' Patented Dec. 3|, I90]. J. BOMGARDNER.

BURIAL GASKET LOWERING DEVICE.

(Application filed Feb. 6. 1901.!

3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(l lo Model.)

H: NORRIS Perzaspm wow-51mm. WASHIAGTON. a. c.

Patented Dec. 3|, l90l.

J. .BOMGARDNER BURI'AL CASKET LOWERING DEVICE.

(Application filed Feb. 6. 1901.

3 Shaets-S'haet 3.

(NoModeL) FIG 7.

FIG."

\NJE ITU \AIITNES 5 E5 JOSEPH BOMGARDNER, OF BEREA,

PATENT OFFICE.

OHIO, 'ASSIGNOR TO BOMGARDNER LOl/VERING DEVICE COMPANY, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

BURlAL-CASKET-LOWERING DEVICE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 689,847, dated December 31,1901. Application filed February 6, 1901. Serial No. 46,165. (No model.)

To all whom it ntay concern:

Be it known. that I, JOSEPH BOMGARDNER, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of Berea, in the county of Guyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Burial- Oasket-Lowering Devices, of which the following is a specification. I I My invention relates to improvements in devices which are employed for lowering bu rial-caskets into graves; and the objects of my improvement are, first, to provide a device for such purposes which may be conveniently adjusted for caskets or graves of various dimensions; second, to render such devices compact, neat, and constructive in appearance, and, third, to reduce the act of lowering caskets to the least ostensive manipulation. I attain these objects in a device constructed substantially as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which 7 Figure 1 represents a part plan and par sectional viewof-the device above referred to. Fig. 2 is a part face and part sectional view of said device, illustrating the transverse partAthereof as seen from theoutside, covers removed. Fig. 3 illustrates an inner face 'view of said part A detached. Fig.

4 represents a partial horizontal sectional view of a corner portion of said device. Fig. 5 represents a side view of said corner portion. Fig. 6 is a face and part sectional view of the same. Fig. 7 represents a horizontal sectional view'of the right-hand terminal of said part A. and part sectional view of the part'A, coverings detached. Fig. 9 illustrates a vertical sectional View on line 1 1. (See Fig. 8.) Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional view on line 2 2. (See Fig. 1.) Fig. 11 is an exterior view to Fig. 8. Fig. 12 is a partial horizontal sectional View of details hereinafter referred to. Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view of the same. Fig. 14 is another transverse sectional view on line 3 3. (See Fig. 1.) Fig. 15 is a transverse sectional view on line 4 4. (See Fig. 1.) Fig. 16 is a longitudinal View of a key-lever or wrench used in connection with said device. Fig. 17 is-an end View of said wrench. Fig. 18 is aface view of a buckle used in connection with the casket-carrying Fig. 8 represents a part face:

bands of this device, and Fig. 19 is a side view of the same. Figs. 2, 3, 15,116, and 17 are shown enlarged with regard to Fig.1, and Figs. 4, 5, 6, '7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13,14, 18, and 19 are drawn on a'still larger scale.

Like letters of reference denotelike parts in the drawings and specification.

Substantially the device consists of an ad 'justable rectangular frame carrying in and by its longitudinal poles B B" a series of transverseiyextending belts O O O, upon which the caskets are placed. To render such frame adjustable (telescoping) transversely as well as longitudinally and to provide for efficient convenient means to manipulate said belts, therein rests the spirit of my invention.

The frame comprises the head structure A, the foot structure D, and the longitudinal poles B'B. (See Fig. 1.)

The head structure consists of the girders A A and the foot structure ofthe bars D D Attached to the girders A A in any suitable manner are the tubular poles B B, while the bars D I) carry extensions E E for telescoping connection with said poles,asseen in Figs. 1, 4, 5, and 6. Simply to reduce-friction'and weight polygon tubular form is preferred for the said extensions E E. In the drawings octagon form is indicated. (See Figs. 5and 6.) Other polygon forms, however, may be employed with like result-namely,that'of reducing friction in sliding these extensions into and out from the poles B B. Extending from and through the girders AA into thepoles are the rollers F F, said rollers being journaled or guided within the poles, substantially as shown-at a a. (See Figs.l,7,and9.) At proper intervals said rollers are slotted, as at b I), (see Figs. 1, 12, 13,*and 14,) for. reception or attachrnent of the terminals of the bandsjor belts above referred to. Arranged within the girders AA is the mechanism for turning said rollers to manipulate said belts or bands. A friction band-wheel is secured to each of the rollers G G, Figs. 2, 7, 8,and 9. Also sprocketwheels H and an endless chain 1 are provided for effecting simultaneous uniform rotation of said rollers, so that an equal amount of bandage can be wound up ontosaid rollers or unwound from said rollers, as conditions 'may require. Furthermore, in connecting the rollers by gearing substantially as shown one need turn but one of the rollers for winding up the bands or belts. Also the brake of only one of the band-wheels need be released in order to effect unwinding of the belts in the lowering of the casket lying upon said belts. The idler-wheels J J, around which the chain is wound, permit of contraction and expansion of the girders forming the end frames as different-sized caskets and graves may require. Said idler-wheels are loosely mounted upon pivots, (see sectional View of Fig. 7,) and the pivots project from the plates K K. (See Figs. 2, 7, 8, and 10.) The plates in turn form the terminals of the branches L L, of which the heads 0 0 form a reinforcement for connection of the respective girders and poles. (See Figs. 7 and 9.) The girders proper are of channel form, one, A, telescoping into the other, A (Most plainly.seen in Fig. 10.) The corner portions of said girders are covered by means of caps (Z, and attached to each of the caps (l is a leaf 0 of proper length to inelose the entire mechanism within said girders. (See Sheet III of the drawings.) Likewise are the bars D D of the foot structure of channel form, telescoping one into the other. (See Figs. 1, 4, 5, and 6.) A series of holes are placed in the top flange of the telescoping girder A as well as in that of the bar D Said holes are analogously positioned to afiord engagement with the pin of a spring-latch M, of which one is secured to the outer girder and outer bar. (See Figs. 1, 2, and 3.) With such locki-ng devices one is enabled to set and secure the frame for and at different widths as 10- cationsandconditionsmayrequire. Aclamping device f at the terminal of each of the poles enables adjustment and fixing of the frame in longitudinal direction. (See Figs. 1, 5, and 6.) To prevent accidental disengagement of the extensions E E from the poles, a pin or screw 9 is extended from the outside through a slot 9 of said extensions, and the slot-terminal stops the extensions short of being drawn entirely from out of the poles. As shown, the foot structure is extended but partially from out or away from the poles; also, transversely the frame is but partially expanded. (See Fig. 1, 2, and 3.)

By means of the idler-wheels compensation is afforded for the chain in expanding and contracting the frame. Beginning from the top of the sprocket-wheel II to the right said chain runs behind the idler-wheels to the bottom of the sprocket-wheel upon the left-hand roller; from the top of said wheel connection is had with the top of idler J, which moves with the left-hand girder; from the bottom of the idler J the chain runs over the top of the idler J, which is a stationary element of the girder A and from the bottom of the lastnamed idler J the chain returns to the bottom of the first-named sprocket-wheel. (See Figs. 2, 7, and 8.) To whatever extent the roller sprocket-wheels are drawn from each other in the same ratio do the idler-wheels approach each other, and for this reason the chain allows of expansion and contraction of the girders, and yet affords for any and all positions an invariable operative medium for transmission of motion from one roller to the other. The projections h 7L simply serve as guard or guide plates for the chain in the manner as shown.

Each of the friction-wheels G G is lined with leather or other suitable material to atford increased friction for the straps or bands N N, which encircle said wheels. The straps in turn are united by a screw-threaded bridge t, having a spindle 3', extending therethrough. Intermediate the spindle and the top of the wheel is a leather-lined block 70, which affords resistance and a bearing for the spindle in applying brake-power unto said wheels.

When the bands 0 are wound up and the brakes are setthat is, when the straps N N are drawn tightly around the wheels-then a casket or other load can be safely held in suspended condition by said bands. Preferably only one of the brakes is manipulated for lowering caskets into gravessay the one to the right.

\Vith the key or wrench O the operator is enabled while in erect position to manipulate the device as presently described. As shown, the right corner is where the device is adjusted and operated from, since the roller leading from said corner and having the wheel H is equipped for the winding up of the bands as well as for lowering same, either directly by means of .thecrank-handle Z or indirectly by means of the key or wrench 0.

By means of the crank-handle l the bands can be wound up after the terminals of said bands are inserted into the slots b b of the rollers, (see Figs. 13 and 14,) the latter figure showing a series of slots 1), which are preferably provided in the roller within the pole B in order to assure the appearance of one or the other of said slots within reaching distance of the opening or openings on when the slots in roller F appear in alinement with the openings m of the pole B.

The fact that the left-hand side of the frame telescopes into the right side thereof requires the branch L to be oifset from its girder-wall in order to allow the left girder to pass between the right-hand girder-wall and its branch. (See Figs.7and 10.) Such conditions determine the above-described run of the endless chain and the particular relation of the loops between the idler-wheels to that of the strings of chain leading to and from tho sprocket-wheels.

In adjusting the framethat is, in pulling the left-hand side from out of the right-hand sideit is evident that. the right hand sprocket-wheel H and the idler-wheel J remain stationary while the sprocket-Wheel and idler-wheel of the left-hand girder, so to say, roll upon the chain and either lengthen or IIO shorten the loops between the idlers to compensate for the expansion or contraction of the sprocket-wheels. If in the adjustment of the frame the roller F turns while the roller F remains stationary, as might happen were there only a single slot in said roller, said slot would not appear within reach from the openings in the pole B. Therefore aplurality of slots are placed along and around the roller F,'so that one or the other set will be within reach of the opening min order to enable insertion or attachment of the bands onto the roller F no matter to what width the frame may be adjusted.

Instead of having for each band in the righthand roller only one slot to four slots in the left-hand'roller there may be more than one slot in the right-hand roller and less than four slotsin the left-hand roller. Two or three slots for 'each band in each roller would afford equal and ample opportunity for attaching the terminals of the bands with ease, regardless to the adjustment of theframe. hen there is no load (casket) resting or lying upon the bands, then one is enabled to wind up the bands by means of the crank-handle Z. With a casket lying on the bands, however, the wrench or lever O is required to enable a rotation of the rollers or raising of the vtion.

casket, should such operation become necessary or desirable.- Since there is no room for turning a lever completely around when the frame is lying over an open grave so near the ground, I provide, in connection with the sprocket-wheel H, the ratchet-wheel n and a series of cams 0, as seen in Figs. 8, 9, and 11. Furthermore, pivoted to the innerwall of the cap 61 is a pawlp, engaging said ratchet-wheel and locking the rollers in any desired posi- For raising a. casket the head q of the lever O is inserted into. the tube far enough so that the arms 7' thereof engage the face sides of said cams, whereupon the rollers can be turned to the extent of about a half-circle at any one engagement of the lever 0. During the exchange of the arms 1" from one pair of cams to the other it is the pawl 19 which prevents the wheel a from turning backward. A casket can therefore be held in suspension at any suitable height as long as the pawl p engages the wheel a or is allowed to drop into the notches thereof. As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the arm 10 of said pawl extends through the cap (1 within reach of the latch S, which latch when turned directly over said arm holds the pawl from out of engagement of the ratchetwheel.

In the ordinary use of this casket-lowering device the preliminary operation consists in the adjustment of the frame to suit both the location and casket. When this is done, then the bands 0 are wound up until they stretch in about a horizontal position across the frame, or from pole to pole, whereupon the brakes are tightened to insure a free support of the casket to be laid thereon. At proper time the spindles or screwsjare loosened and the casket descends in the least ostensible manner; When the casket has reached the ground, then it is the buckle P (see Figs. 18 and 19) which automatically separates the bands in under the casket and allows of the withdrawal of said bands. As shown, said buckle is of open-loop form,and being attached to the link if of the right-hand band portion the hook u engages the linkt of the left-hand band portion and unites said band portions as long as the bands are in suspended condition; but as soon as theledge c strikes the bottom of the grave then the link becomes released from the hook it and the bands can be drawn from under the casket. If the bands are used'without"a buckle, then oneor the other terminal thereof may be disconnected from the roller to admit of withdrawing of said bands.

sible both longitudinally as well as transversely. The spring-latches in that instance interlock into the last hole of the telescoping girder and bar. Furthermore, the key or lever is disposed of'by being inserted into one of the tubular rollers and retained therewith, substantially as shown in Fig. 15, which shows a spring-guard w in connection with the left girder-cap, sprung into which is the head q of said wrench for the purpose of securing same in place-namely, within the tube F.

What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a casket-lowering device, the combination of a telescoping end girder, having two tubular poles leading therefrom; rollers mounted within said poles of a length less than the length of said poles; bands connecting said rollers; means carried by said girder and operable from a single point for imparting movement to said rollers, said means bein g adjustable with the telescoping movement of said girder; and a foot member telescopically connected to said poles, said foot memher being adjustable to correspond with the adjustment of said end girder.

2. In a casket-lowering device, the combination of a telescoping end girder having a box-like con figuration, and having two tubular poles secured to the inner face of the girder; rollers mounted within said poles, said rollers extending within said box-like girder; bands connecting said rollers; means carried by said girder and said rollers for imparting movement to the rollers, said means beingadjustable with the telescoping movement of said girder; and a foot member telescopically connnected to said poles, said foot member being adjustable to correspond with the adjustment of said end girder.

3. In a casket-lowering device, the combination with two rollers in parallelism, carrying connecting -bands; and an adjustable frame for regulating the distance between said rollers; of driving means located solely For transportationthis frame is contracted as close as posat one end thereof and in alinement therewith, said means including a compensating device. I

at. In a casket-lowering device, the combination with two spaced rollers carrying connecting-bands; and means for adjust-ably regulating the distance between said rollers; ofa gear located at one end of each of said rollers; and connections between said gears for imparting simultaneous movement thereto, said means including a compensating device, adapted to maintain the operative connection between said gears irrespective of the relative positions of said rollers.

5. In a casket-lowering device, the combination with a telescoping end girder; and two spaced rollers carrying connecting-bands; of a gear located at one end of each of said rollers; and a sprocket-chain connecting said gears; and acooperating compensatingdevice, whereby said chain will be held in operative connection with said gears during the telescoping movement of said girder.

6. Inacasket-loweringdevice,anendgirder formed in two parts, arranged to telescope; rollers located at the outer ends of said parts, each roller having a drive-wheel; an idlerwheel connected to each of said parts; and a drive-chain operatively connected to each of said drive-wheels said chain passing over said idler-wheels.

7. In a casket-lowering device,an end girder formed in two parts arranged to telescope; rollers extending from the outer ends thereof, each roller having a drive-wheel; an idlerwhe'el carried by each part, said idler-wheels being movable bodily with the parts during the telescoping movement, the two idlerwheels moving in a direction opposite the direction of the telescoping movement; and a drive-chain operatively connected to each of said drive-wheels, said chain passing over said idler-wheels.

8. In a casket-lowering device, two spaced rollers carrying connecting-bands; an adj ustable frame for regulating the distance between said rollers; driving means located at one end of said rollers; and braking mechanism for each of said rollers, said mechanism having a direct connection with the rollers.

9. In a casket-lowering device, two spaced rollers carrying connecting-bands; an adjustable frame for regulating the distance between said rollers; driving means located at one end of said rollers; and braking mechanism for each of said rollers, said mechanism having a direct connection with the roll.- crs and each mechanism being operable independently.

lO. In a casket-lowering device, two spaced rollers carrying connecting-bands; an adj ustable frame for regulating the distance between said rollers; driving means located at one end of said rollers; and a friction-brake located in axial alinement and direct contact with each roller.

11. In a casket-lowerin g device, two spaced rollers carrying connecting-bands; an adjustable frame for regulating the distance between said rollers; driving means located at one end of said rollers; and a friction-brake for each roller located in axial alinement and direct contact therewith, said brakes being operable independently.

12. In a casket-lowering device, the combination with a telescoping end girder; of two spaced rollers, carrying connecting-bands, said rollers having their outer ends extending within said girder; a gear-wheel carried by the end of each of said rollers and adapted to impart movement thereto; connections between said gear-wheels for imparting simultaneous movements thereto; a brake-band roller secured to each of said rollers; and a brake-band adapted to cooperate with said brake-band roller.

13. In a casket-lowering device, band-carrying rollers; operable connections between said rollers for imparting simultaneous movement thereto; means removably insertible within said connections for driving said rollers in one direction; and a pawl-and-ratchet device for normally holding said rollers against return movement, whereby said means may be moved in the opposite direction without disturbing the position of the rollers.

Signed at Cleveland, Ohio, this 18th day of January, 1901.

JOSEPH BOMGARDNER.

Witnesses:

BERNH. F. EIBLER, KATHERINE G. COLLINS. 

